Monday.
As Mondays go, this one is really no so bad, thus far. Sure, I had a terrible night, but I am managing pretty well this morning, and the kids and I all feel pretty happy. The only thing keeping me from being perfectly content is the state of my house. It looks like we were the victims of a wind storm or something. Josh is testing out the entertainment center before he stains it and hangs the doors, so there's sawdust in the carpet. And the kids left toys all over the place, and Josh just let them leave them there. And the dishes...well I knew better. He always says he'll do that. Then, if all that weren't bad enough, I absolutely forgot to do the laundry I had set out. Oops. So, instead of my usual easy Monday, I have to actually do housework today. Oh, well. It builds character.
I'm also planning to schedule Grant for swimming lessons, and I have to call the trash company and ask them why they suddenly gave us an extra trash can and recycle bin...and bill.
We bought a bunch of desserts at Wal-Mart last night. I don't know what came over me. We bought an angel food cake and frozen mixed berries, a tiny little strawberry ice cream, and a cheesecake. I know....
I am just itching to buy books. So far, no $500 bills have fallen out of the sky at me, though.
We had a good weekend. Josh spent lots of it working on the entertainment center. We let the kids play in a little inflatable frog pool, too, and that was pretty fun, but a mess to clean up from. In fact, I think Josh left the frog inflated and under out deck. Does that mean I get to go out there and it away? Only if I ever want it to be so. Creep. Well, it's not on the list for today.
Oh. The fighting begins. It looks like Abbie is going to be the cranky one today. That surprises me. Grant is the one who had the issues last night. He woke up about 11:30 to go to the bathroom, but didn't quite make it. That's never happened to him before, so he screamed. It woke me up, so I came to get him fresh things. He was fine at that point, but was having too much fun crying, so I just went back to bed. Then, later (didn't check the clock) he came into our room and kicked until I left to sleep in his. Yes, this happens a lot. So, I figured he'd be the tired one today.
I think I'm going to make bagels with whatever I find for lunch today.
I haven't been outside yet, but I hope it is as nice out as it was yesterday. I really wouldn't mind a continuation of this nice weather.
I just got up for a second, and stubbed my toe on the furiture. I hit it REALLY hard. Abbie tried to cheer me up. "Mommy, you're up-side-down!!! Silly Mommy!" (Laughs hysterically.) Then, since my face was squished up in pain, she put her thumbs on my eyebrows. "I wanna put em UP! There. All better." I also got a very rough kiss. My toe is a little tingley, but no lasting damage, in case you were concerned.
Read another Sherlock Holmes story last night. It was great. When they got there, the girl had already been rescued. Hee hee.
Okay, maybe I was wrong. They're both cranky. It's going to be quite a day. I guess I'd better get to it.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thought Jumble
When I was driving home last night, the mood was huge. It was low in the sky, and there was practically none of it visible at all. It looked like a little fingernail clipping. But the most fascinating thing was that it was red. Dark red. It was very nearly brown. If only I hadn't been driving. If only it had been higher than the trees. It would have been rewarding to be standing somewhere, looking at it. Is that what is called a Harvest Moon? I thought they were some other color... I've heard the term Blood Moon before, but I'm not sure if it is a description of the moon's color. I will probably look these terms up when I'm done here.
My thinking has been very strange these last few days. I've been thinking of more than one thing at once, and lots of things I've been thinking of are from different times in my life. I would say I've been scatter-brained, but that implies a certain superficiality to the thoughts or processes, and I don't feel that. But I don't feel like I've developed a super power, either, so I am going to take a guess and say that I'll be back to normal in a day or so. In the meantime, I will be pondering...well, everything, probably!
Today, we bought the final supplies for the entertainment center. Josh let me pick a trim, and handles. We spend forever picking stain, and then when we walked over to the stain section, there wasn't any of the kind we picked. Figures. So, he was just going to grab one at random. At that point, I teased Josh about divorce, and we got another stain. My back was very tired and sore for most of this adventure.
We also saw Miss Heather at Target, just before. I saw her daughter for the first time in years, too. I almost left Target with a pair of shorts to replace my favorite ones that have a hole, but when I found out they weren't on sale, I left them. And they have some lovely LONG and super soft scarves that I wanted to take home, too, but I didn't get nearly as far along with them. Heather and Renee went off to look for bathing suits. Not my favorite way to spend time.
Just to throw you off, I am now going to tell you about practice last night. I'm starting to learn the odaiko part for Drive, and we also worked on Omiyage (I did not stress out this time) and Juugo Ya. I will be playing clave on Juugo Ya, and Jaci gave me an awesome cheat-sheet. Yay for me! A certain girl named Julie wasn't there (she's so busy) and we missed her. I wonder if her gentleman ever found a safer place to live. I worry about them, you know.
I am still reading Sherlock Holmes in short bursts. I like him. It must be an easy life when everything is so definite.
Well, in come the children and the husband! And I was going to be so entertaining and clever, too. Well, you'll just have to use your imagination. Happy Friday Evening, and Happy Weekend to you all!
(Dude! I just spell checked this, and I got everything right that is included in the English language. Yay for my current weird brain condition!)
My thinking has been very strange these last few days. I've been thinking of more than one thing at once, and lots of things I've been thinking of are from different times in my life. I would say I've been scatter-brained, but that implies a certain superficiality to the thoughts or processes, and I don't feel that. But I don't feel like I've developed a super power, either, so I am going to take a guess and say that I'll be back to normal in a day or so. In the meantime, I will be pondering...well, everything, probably!
Today, we bought the final supplies for the entertainment center. Josh let me pick a trim, and handles. We spend forever picking stain, and then when we walked over to the stain section, there wasn't any of the kind we picked. Figures. So, he was just going to grab one at random. At that point, I teased Josh about divorce, and we got another stain. My back was very tired and sore for most of this adventure.
We also saw Miss Heather at Target, just before. I saw her daughter for the first time in years, too. I almost left Target with a pair of shorts to replace my favorite ones that have a hole, but when I found out they weren't on sale, I left them. And they have some lovely LONG and super soft scarves that I wanted to take home, too, but I didn't get nearly as far along with them. Heather and Renee went off to look for bathing suits. Not my favorite way to spend time.
Just to throw you off, I am now going to tell you about practice last night. I'm starting to learn the odaiko part for Drive, and we also worked on Omiyage (I did not stress out this time) and Juugo Ya. I will be playing clave on Juugo Ya, and Jaci gave me an awesome cheat-sheet. Yay for me! A certain girl named Julie wasn't there (she's so busy) and we missed her. I wonder if her gentleman ever found a safer place to live. I worry about them, you know.
I am still reading Sherlock Holmes in short bursts. I like him. It must be an easy life when everything is so definite.
Well, in come the children and the husband! And I was going to be so entertaining and clever, too. Well, you'll just have to use your imagination. Happy Friday Evening, and Happy Weekend to you all!
(Dude! I just spell checked this, and I got everything right that is included in the English language. Yay for my current weird brain condition!)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Josh Vacation: Day 3
I spent the day at the Science Center. It was a little disappointing. The kids really weren't old enough to get anything beneficial from being there, and there wasn't time enough for us grown-ups to play around. It was kind of a teaser for everyone. Plus I was tired. I told Josh that my back wasn't carrying me, I was carrying it. We did, though, get to spend the day with Molly. Haven't seen her in a long time. We also got to see the new house she and her parents have just moved into. At first I couldn't believe she didn't end up getting her own place, but when I saw the house, I kinda wanted to move in, too. Somewhere, there is a Grand Duke looking for his chateau.... Just being in Molly's new neighborhood makes me feel inadequate. I got out to take a picture, and the whole thing wouldn't fit in the view finder. I've never been to that part of Lake St. Louis before. It's not far from where Josh lived in high school, but you might say, a world away. It had columns on the inside of the door. Well, I had a good time being in awe of Molly's new place, but I still don't envy living with Mom and Dad when one is a few months shy of 30.
I mentioned that I'm considering having a costume tea party for Abbie's 4th birthday this January. Molly's eyes got as big as dinner plates! She was happily planning finger sandwiches and mini-cheesecakes. Trust me, y'all, you might wanna make it to this party. The food is going to be excellent if Molly wants to cook. And I won't make you wear a costume. (Although Molly might wear one.)
Molly is seeing someone new. His name is Ryan, and she brought him to our house once before. Since then, he asked her parents very formally if he could court Molly. She found it adorable, and I suspect that her parents approved, as well. They are all a LOT more Catholic than I am. But I'm still undecided about parts of it. If she were under the age of 21, all well and good. However, doesn't this sort of behavior rather support the idea that Molly is somehow not in charge of herself? And then there's the choice of words...but I couldn't very well ask her if he meant dating or courting courting with him standing right there. I don't know much about Ryan, even after having spent now 2 days in his presence. He is quiet, but I didn't come away with the impression that he is a ponderer, or even a keen observer. Neither was he vacant in his expression. If I recall from our earlier meeting, he teaches at a Catholic school, and has at some point played drums, but I can't remember if it was trap, or just snare.
Still haven't heard a whisper from my cousins who were going to come over "Wednesday of Thursday". I left Kelsey a message, since she screened me when I called her cell. Well, the house is clean now, but with Josh on vacation, I can't promise it will be tomorrow. Actually, the more typical scenario is that I won't hear anything from them at all, and eventually will discover that they just went home. I say typical, because it has never been any scenario except that one. But I always prepare, just in case.
When my mom called from Colorado, I told her about the dark circles I had on Sunday. She said I probably had sun stroke. Hee hee! I think she meant heat exhaustion. My mom usually doesn't get stuff wrong, so forgive me if I'm a trifle amused. She also says that she wouldn't have believed that there was an ugly place in Colorado, but they seem to be staying at one. I wonder if she's trying to keep me from being sad that we couldn't go.
Josh and I were arguing in the car. Not to worry. It's sort of a hobby of ours. This time it was in reaction to an interview on NPR we heard. The topic was the unsuccessful candidate in the recent "election" in Iran, and whether or not he was a supporter of earlier bombing of US troops. I was listening, and announced, "HA! That guy flat out lied, and now the other guy has to cover for him!"
"No, he said that it's different now."
"Not that guy. The interviewer just began by saying that US intelligence found that this guy was a supporter of the bombings. The first guy said that it wasn't true, he wasn't involved, and now this guy is covering by saying that he was part of a revolutionary generation, many of whom are now less militant."
"No, that's not what he meant."
"It's what he said."
"Well, I was listening to what he meant."
Okay. It's journalism. You have to listen to what they actually say. And if you aren't capable of saying what you mean, you have no business being interviewed. Yeesh! I'd ask you if you agree, but I know you won't write, anyway. Punks.
I had a creepy dream last night. After Grant kicked me out of bed and I went to sleep on his bed (and blankets, and toys), I dreamed that I was moving in with a new and previously unknown roommate. That part was tense enough. Then, I had a baby in the nearly empty house, and the baby was missing some fingers. Josh was there, and I was crying and saying that it was so sad for the baby, who was a girl, to be odd looking when she had such a beautiful older sister and I wished people wouldn't compare them. (So, at this point in the dream I was married and had kids. Not sure about the beginning.) Then, as I was trying to feed the baby...it turned into a large, gray cat and barred its teeth at me. Anyone good at analyzing dreams? 'Cause this one's got me stumped.
The TV is still on the floor, but Josh picked up dog poop this morning. I think there is more project-ing scheduled for tomorrow.
I just took some Motrin. Josh is at class now, and I'm trying to keep the kids from playing too rough. I'm losing horribly.
I talked to my grandmother. Was it this morning or yesterday? I can't remember now. She's glad I have plans for the 4th of July. There is a barbecue she wanted to go to with my aunt. And she tells me that my cousin Hannah is dating someone. I had a rare email from Hannah just this week, but she didn't mention it at all. I wonder...is it because I'm supposed to inquire, or because she doesn't feel comfortable talking about it? Or maybe she's counting on her half sisters to tell me all about him. Also, she went on and on about a photo that my Uncle Pete sent her of himself, because he's been losing weight, and, more importantly for her, it's the first time she's seen him in shorts since he was a kid! She told me I absolutely must ask him to sent the picture to me, too. I emailed him. And he sent a totally different picture. But still a nice one. I wonder if he's bashful about the shorts!
By the way, in this one part of the Science Center, there is an animal section and they have some taxidermy in cases. Around the cases are little plaques with cross sections of bones, etc. and these really funny little chairs. Well....chairs might be misleading... I don't know what they are, actually. They are kind of like stools with weird, squashy, textured cushion-ish-es. Josh said it was like trying to sit on a basketball. But when I win the lottery, I am getting some. They are too funny.
And there was a fossil of a ginkgo leaf! I want one! Well, the fossil would be cool, too, but I want a ginkgo tree.
By the way, I made my omelet last night, and it was heavenly. I'm surprised I didn't dream about THAT!
So tired. I wonder if I will sleep tonight.
I have to leave you now, my back is too sore. Hope you are having a good evening.
I mentioned that I'm considering having a costume tea party for Abbie's 4th birthday this January. Molly's eyes got as big as dinner plates! She was happily planning finger sandwiches and mini-cheesecakes. Trust me, y'all, you might wanna make it to this party. The food is going to be excellent if Molly wants to cook. And I won't make you wear a costume. (Although Molly might wear one.)
Molly is seeing someone new. His name is Ryan, and she brought him to our house once before. Since then, he asked her parents very formally if he could court Molly. She found it adorable, and I suspect that her parents approved, as well. They are all a LOT more Catholic than I am. But I'm still undecided about parts of it. If she were under the age of 21, all well and good. However, doesn't this sort of behavior rather support the idea that Molly is somehow not in charge of herself? And then there's the choice of words...but I couldn't very well ask her if he meant dating or courting courting with him standing right there. I don't know much about Ryan, even after having spent now 2 days in his presence. He is quiet, but I didn't come away with the impression that he is a ponderer, or even a keen observer. Neither was he vacant in his expression. If I recall from our earlier meeting, he teaches at a Catholic school, and has at some point played drums, but I can't remember if it was trap, or just snare.
Still haven't heard a whisper from my cousins who were going to come over "Wednesday of Thursday". I left Kelsey a message, since she screened me when I called her cell. Well, the house is clean now, but with Josh on vacation, I can't promise it will be tomorrow. Actually, the more typical scenario is that I won't hear anything from them at all, and eventually will discover that they just went home. I say typical, because it has never been any scenario except that one. But I always prepare, just in case.
When my mom called from Colorado, I told her about the dark circles I had on Sunday. She said I probably had sun stroke. Hee hee! I think she meant heat exhaustion. My mom usually doesn't get stuff wrong, so forgive me if I'm a trifle amused. She also says that she wouldn't have believed that there was an ugly place in Colorado, but they seem to be staying at one. I wonder if she's trying to keep me from being sad that we couldn't go.
Josh and I were arguing in the car. Not to worry. It's sort of a hobby of ours. This time it was in reaction to an interview on NPR we heard. The topic was the unsuccessful candidate in the recent "election" in Iran, and whether or not he was a supporter of earlier bombing of US troops. I was listening, and announced, "HA! That guy flat out lied, and now the other guy has to cover for him!"
"No, he said that it's different now."
"Not that guy. The interviewer just began by saying that US intelligence found that this guy was a supporter of the bombings. The first guy said that it wasn't true, he wasn't involved, and now this guy is covering by saying that he was part of a revolutionary generation, many of whom are now less militant."
"No, that's not what he meant."
"It's what he said."
"Well, I was listening to what he meant."
Okay. It's journalism. You have to listen to what they actually say. And if you aren't capable of saying what you mean, you have no business being interviewed. Yeesh! I'd ask you if you agree, but I know you won't write, anyway. Punks.
I had a creepy dream last night. After Grant kicked me out of bed and I went to sleep on his bed (and blankets, and toys), I dreamed that I was moving in with a new and previously unknown roommate. That part was tense enough. Then, I had a baby in the nearly empty house, and the baby was missing some fingers. Josh was there, and I was crying and saying that it was so sad for the baby, who was a girl, to be odd looking when she had such a beautiful older sister and I wished people wouldn't compare them. (So, at this point in the dream I was married and had kids. Not sure about the beginning.) Then, as I was trying to feed the baby...it turned into a large, gray cat and barred its teeth at me. Anyone good at analyzing dreams? 'Cause this one's got me stumped.
The TV is still on the floor, but Josh picked up dog poop this morning. I think there is more project-ing scheduled for tomorrow.
I just took some Motrin. Josh is at class now, and I'm trying to keep the kids from playing too rough. I'm losing horribly.
I talked to my grandmother. Was it this morning or yesterday? I can't remember now. She's glad I have plans for the 4th of July. There is a barbecue she wanted to go to with my aunt. And she tells me that my cousin Hannah is dating someone. I had a rare email from Hannah just this week, but she didn't mention it at all. I wonder...is it because I'm supposed to inquire, or because she doesn't feel comfortable talking about it? Or maybe she's counting on her half sisters to tell me all about him. Also, she went on and on about a photo that my Uncle Pete sent her of himself, because he's been losing weight, and, more importantly for her, it's the first time she's seen him in shorts since he was a kid! She told me I absolutely must ask him to sent the picture to me, too. I emailed him. And he sent a totally different picture. But still a nice one. I wonder if he's bashful about the shorts!
By the way, in this one part of the Science Center, there is an animal section and they have some taxidermy in cases. Around the cases are little plaques with cross sections of bones, etc. and these really funny little chairs. Well....chairs might be misleading... I don't know what they are, actually. They are kind of like stools with weird, squashy, textured cushion-ish-es. Josh said it was like trying to sit on a basketball. But when I win the lottery, I am getting some. They are too funny.
And there was a fossil of a ginkgo leaf! I want one! Well, the fossil would be cool, too, but I want a ginkgo tree.
By the way, I made my omelet last night, and it was heavenly. I'm surprised I didn't dream about THAT!
So tired. I wonder if I will sleep tonight.
I have to leave you now, my back is too sore. Hope you are having a good evening.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I'm having problems spelling today...
We took Jake to get his nails clipped and ground at PetSmart yesterday, and I almost came home with a cat. She was/is white with yellow spots, and I was drawn to her alert, speculative expression. She was found living under the stairs of an apartment building at the age of 7 months. Just the naming possibilities are fantastic. I can't see adding a family member to our household right now. I know continuous costs of food, litter and vaccinations, etc. is more than we can afford, and an un-wise proposition. So, I was never realistically planning to adopt the kitty, even though she was one of the few who was not at all wigged out by Jake or the kids. The true surprise was Josh. He offered to buy me the cat.
I was a little taken aback. Josh has never made any secret of his unfriendly feelings for cats. They've been the butt of his cruelest jokes, and he's always said he would never have one. I knew that one day he would have a little girl, and one smile would win him over, but I don't remember Abbie asking for this cat. Well, maybe he just had money burning a hole in his pocket or something. Some days he cannot rest easy until he's blown all his money on something, even if it's something he doesn't especially want.
Josh has taken the tv stand completely apart. TV is on the floor. DVDs are on the floor. VCR and DVD player are on the little table by the window. And there is a lovely diagram of the project plans over on the ottoman.
My forehead is peeling, up by my hairline. I forgot to mention that I got burned in some places where the sunscreen didn't reach. I have two nickel-sized spots on my upper temples. And they're peeling. Ew. I'm surprised the rest of me wasn't burned. I thought I was, at first, I was so red. The next day I could see the burnt spots on the top of my forehead, but my most noticeable characteristic was that I had dark, dark circles under my eyes. I don't know if that is normal after a hot day in the sun. Maybe I should find out.
Grant has been really mean today, doing things he shouldn't do pretty much constantly. Except when Grant was making her shriek (I really hate that sound), Abbie has been pretty nice. No naps so far. Maybe we'll have an early night tonight. I could handle that. I had another insomnia night last night.
We're going to have breakfast for dinner tonight. Josh ran off to the store to get tomatoes so I can make a cheese and tomato omelet and he's going to be extra sweet and cook the bacon outside on the grill so we don't have to scrub down the whole kitchen. He's SuperJosh today. He even cleaned the bathroom! He has class tonight, though, so I don't get to go to practice. That's very sad, especially since my new and exciting blisters are all better today.
I saw August Rush last night when the kids were asleep and I wasn't. It's an interesting little movie. It leans slightly toward fairy tale. The little kid is a superb actor, though. It was worth watching just to see him.
I'm reading Sherlock Holmes. It's fun. Much better than the Rudyard Kipling stuff. Whew! Too depressing. The eccentric Mr. Holmes is much more to my liking this week. Did you know that they are coming out with a new Sherlock Holmes movie, starring Robert Downey Jr.? Looks like an embarrassing corruption. They have Jude Law as Watson, which I can easily see, but Holmes is more of an adventurer in the new film, and less of an observer/reasoner/actor.
Ah! I hear my tomatoes arriving.
Farewell, Friends!
I was a little taken aback. Josh has never made any secret of his unfriendly feelings for cats. They've been the butt of his cruelest jokes, and he's always said he would never have one. I knew that one day he would have a little girl, and one smile would win him over, but I don't remember Abbie asking for this cat. Well, maybe he just had money burning a hole in his pocket or something. Some days he cannot rest easy until he's blown all his money on something, even if it's something he doesn't especially want.
Josh has taken the tv stand completely apart. TV is on the floor. DVDs are on the floor. VCR and DVD player are on the little table by the window. And there is a lovely diagram of the project plans over on the ottoman.
My forehead is peeling, up by my hairline. I forgot to mention that I got burned in some places where the sunscreen didn't reach. I have two nickel-sized spots on my upper temples. And they're peeling. Ew. I'm surprised the rest of me wasn't burned. I thought I was, at first, I was so red. The next day I could see the burnt spots on the top of my forehead, but my most noticeable characteristic was that I had dark, dark circles under my eyes. I don't know if that is normal after a hot day in the sun. Maybe I should find out.
Grant has been really mean today, doing things he shouldn't do pretty much constantly. Except when Grant was making her shriek (I really hate that sound), Abbie has been pretty nice. No naps so far. Maybe we'll have an early night tonight. I could handle that. I had another insomnia night last night.
We're going to have breakfast for dinner tonight. Josh ran off to the store to get tomatoes so I can make a cheese and tomato omelet and he's going to be extra sweet and cook the bacon outside on the grill so we don't have to scrub down the whole kitchen. He's SuperJosh today. He even cleaned the bathroom! He has class tonight, though, so I don't get to go to practice. That's very sad, especially since my new and exciting blisters are all better today.
I saw August Rush last night when the kids were asleep and I wasn't. It's an interesting little movie. It leans slightly toward fairy tale. The little kid is a superb actor, though. It was worth watching just to see him.
I'm reading Sherlock Holmes. It's fun. Much better than the Rudyard Kipling stuff. Whew! Too depressing. The eccentric Mr. Holmes is much more to my liking this week. Did you know that they are coming out with a new Sherlock Holmes movie, starring Robert Downey Jr.? Looks like an embarrassing corruption. They have Jude Law as Watson, which I can easily see, but Holmes is more of an adventurer in the new film, and less of an observer/reasoner/actor.
Ah! I hear my tomatoes arriving.
Farewell, Friends!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Hello, Monday!
Um...hi.
So, it's Monday.....and Josh is sitting on the couch behind me. Yay for vacation. We were going to go see a few of my Dad's sisters in Colorado, but it was not to be. We are too poor! So we are just hangin out here. I'm thinking by the end of the week, I'm either going to be suicidal or homocidal. Gotta love family togetherness. I think the major project is re-building our entertainment center, since it was a piece of junk when it was given to us, and is in perpetual danger of falling to pieces. And today we are getting supplies for that, and getting Jake's toenails clipped.
For Father's Day (here comes my usual reverse chronology) we took Josh to lunch at White Castle, and then Cold Stone Creamery. That was kind of an adventure. Apparently, the one in Lake St. Louis closed or moved or something, so we drove to O'Fallon. But the road you take to get into the parking lot was closed. But my husband can be quite determined when ice cream is involved. After some parking weirdness, we ordered some. Josh got a shake made of cheesecake ice cream, blueberries and grahm cracker crumbs. Sounds icky to me. I wanted the kind I always used to get-the turtle one with the sweet cream ice cream. But they don't have it up on the board anymore, so I had to remember what was in it. I think I go tit right. Anyway, it was GOOOOOOOD. The kids got chocolate ice cream with M&Ms on top to share. Plus, they each gave the lady a dollar to buy Josh's. We let her keep them as a tip. Josh was alured by a poster on the way describing a devil's food ice cream cake with reeces cups on top, but we made it out the door without getting one.
Wal-mart was not so good, though. How did I get conned into letting him buy 2 pairs of shorts, 2 shirts and socks? And one was a BLACK T-SHIRT! He must have 20 of those. And I didn't remember to get kleenex.
Saturday was my taiko performance. Mostly, it was just hot. I didn't know how awful I looked until I saw pictures. It's no wonder they kept asking if I was okay. I looked like I was dying of some strange disease. It wasn't the best we've ever played, but we got the job done. I'm glad it's over. And I'm also glad that Josh and the kids came to watch, and joined us for lunch and unloading afterward. It made a huge difference to me, and I was pretty happy. And I'm going to have to remember about that lunch place. It's Ghengis Grill, Mongolian barbeque. Very fun. If you've never been, you should go. And then I was pretty much feeling awful the rest of the day. I'm getting so old and frail.
Last week, the kids spent the night with my mom. I watched 9 movies while they were gone. One of them was my date movie with Josh. We saw the new Teminator movie. Well, I didn't pick it.... Anyway, here is a list of the other movies I indulged myself with:
Shanghai Noon
Coming to America
Galaxy Quest
Best of Comedy Central Presents Vol.1
Gross Pointe Blank
Batman Begins
Juuni Kokki Vol. 3
The Man Who Would Be King
I like me a good adventure comedy.
And, of course, the Terminator....whatever it was. I did see a good commercial, though. There is a sci-fi movie with Bruce Willis called Surrogates or something that looks like a good movie. Or it could also be horrible, but the rest of the commercials were awful. And I need to remember my earplugs next time I go to a movie theater. The sound is so loud it hurts.
Well, it's time for me to find some lunch. Hope you are all about to have a great week!
So, it's Monday.....and Josh is sitting on the couch behind me. Yay for vacation. We were going to go see a few of my Dad's sisters in Colorado, but it was not to be. We are too poor! So we are just hangin out here. I'm thinking by the end of the week, I'm either going to be suicidal or homocidal. Gotta love family togetherness. I think the major project is re-building our entertainment center, since it was a piece of junk when it was given to us, and is in perpetual danger of falling to pieces. And today we are getting supplies for that, and getting Jake's toenails clipped.
For Father's Day (here comes my usual reverse chronology) we took Josh to lunch at White Castle, and then Cold Stone Creamery. That was kind of an adventure. Apparently, the one in Lake St. Louis closed or moved or something, so we drove to O'Fallon. But the road you take to get into the parking lot was closed. But my husband can be quite determined when ice cream is involved. After some parking weirdness, we ordered some. Josh got a shake made of cheesecake ice cream, blueberries and grahm cracker crumbs. Sounds icky to me. I wanted the kind I always used to get-the turtle one with the sweet cream ice cream. But they don't have it up on the board anymore, so I had to remember what was in it. I think I go tit right. Anyway, it was GOOOOOOOD. The kids got chocolate ice cream with M&Ms on top to share. Plus, they each gave the lady a dollar to buy Josh's. We let her keep them as a tip. Josh was alured by a poster on the way describing a devil's food ice cream cake with reeces cups on top, but we made it out the door without getting one.
Wal-mart was not so good, though. How did I get conned into letting him buy 2 pairs of shorts, 2 shirts and socks? And one was a BLACK T-SHIRT! He must have 20 of those. And I didn't remember to get kleenex.
Saturday was my taiko performance. Mostly, it was just hot. I didn't know how awful I looked until I saw pictures. It's no wonder they kept asking if I was okay. I looked like I was dying of some strange disease. It wasn't the best we've ever played, but we got the job done. I'm glad it's over. And I'm also glad that Josh and the kids came to watch, and joined us for lunch and unloading afterward. It made a huge difference to me, and I was pretty happy. And I'm going to have to remember about that lunch place. It's Ghengis Grill, Mongolian barbeque. Very fun. If you've never been, you should go. And then I was pretty much feeling awful the rest of the day. I'm getting so old and frail.
Last week, the kids spent the night with my mom. I watched 9 movies while they were gone. One of them was my date movie with Josh. We saw the new Teminator movie. Well, I didn't pick it.... Anyway, here is a list of the other movies I indulged myself with:
Shanghai Noon
Coming to America
Galaxy Quest
Best of Comedy Central Presents Vol.1
Gross Pointe Blank
Batman Begins
Juuni Kokki Vol. 3
The Man Who Would Be King
I like me a good adventure comedy.
And, of course, the Terminator....whatever it was. I did see a good commercial, though. There is a sci-fi movie with Bruce Willis called Surrogates or something that looks like a good movie. Or it could also be horrible, but the rest of the commercials were awful. And I need to remember my earplugs next time I go to a movie theater. The sound is so loud it hurts.
Well, it's time for me to find some lunch. Hope you are all about to have a great week!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Get Some New Material (Warning: Crankiness)
Sing louder.
From age 13, I heard it frequently. Sing louder. Need more.
My choir teacher must have told me that 10,000 times in the 6 years I sang with him. Every year for district music festival we would sing in front out our classmates, who would write down what needed work. Any guesses what all of mine said EVERY YEAR? Sing louder.
At least they stopped caring in college when I was in an ensamble. But solos? Sing louder. Do you have any more volume than that, Rosemary? Louder. More.
It's not like I wasn't trying.
So I can't say I'm surprised that it is coming back to haunt me. The last few months have a theme. It's called: Louder. More. Bigger.
You know, one day I will find something I'm actually good at to do in my spare time.
So....I don't play loud enough. My movements are too small. And apparently, I'm not improving fast enough to make anyone feel like I'm working on it. In fact, there was a line of people waiting to tell me that I wasn't doing it right. In case I hadn't heard the first person. You know, I'm a pretty good sport. But after about 7 people telling me how AWFUL I am, I'm really not so much excited to be there anymore. Especially when I am only there as a favor, and not without sacrifice, to exactly the person who is leading the Rosemary Needs Bigger Arms parade. Let's go ahead and assume that if you tell a person that she is making a horrible, offensive, show-ruining mistake and it is not immediately corrected that A> she is deaf (making discussion useless), or B> she is doing her best.
Dabbie and Laura decided to have dinner together before practice. Unfortunately, Laura was allergic to something she ate. They both spent the entire evening at the emergency room. I am confused about part of that. Why didn't Debbie call Laura's family to join her there, and then come to practice? It seems strange to me, but maybe I am a terrible friend. Not that I would leave someone if my other obligations weren't having a Level Orange emergency, it's just that this performance is a particularly tense situation.
***
I stopped typing there to fight with my children and get them ready to go to my mom's. Not so bad, on the whole. They actually let my mom come inside for nearly 10 minutes this time. Last time, they didn't give her time to set her keys down. Now they are happily installed in her car and on the way to Rolla. ...and Mommy is a free woman!
I'm going to go watch something bloody while I'm still riding the high. If I don't, I'll probably get lonely and cry. Uh-oh. Starting to feel sad.
What should I watch? 13th Warrior? I love that one... Or Indiana Jones? Chicago? Ooo. We might have a winner.
I don't feel all cranky about last night anymore. I know I have a tendency to dwell. But I'm not gonna this time. It will all smooth out eventually.
Now, about that movie....
From age 13, I heard it frequently. Sing louder. Need more.
My choir teacher must have told me that 10,000 times in the 6 years I sang with him. Every year for district music festival we would sing in front out our classmates, who would write down what needed work. Any guesses what all of mine said EVERY YEAR? Sing louder.
At least they stopped caring in college when I was in an ensamble. But solos? Sing louder. Do you have any more volume than that, Rosemary? Louder. More.
It's not like I wasn't trying.
So I can't say I'm surprised that it is coming back to haunt me. The last few months have a theme. It's called: Louder. More. Bigger.
You know, one day I will find something I'm actually good at to do in my spare time.
So....I don't play loud enough. My movements are too small. And apparently, I'm not improving fast enough to make anyone feel like I'm working on it. In fact, there was a line of people waiting to tell me that I wasn't doing it right. In case I hadn't heard the first person. You know, I'm a pretty good sport. But after about 7 people telling me how AWFUL I am, I'm really not so much excited to be there anymore. Especially when I am only there as a favor, and not without sacrifice, to exactly the person who is leading the Rosemary Needs Bigger Arms parade. Let's go ahead and assume that if you tell a person that she is making a horrible, offensive, show-ruining mistake and it is not immediately corrected that A> she is deaf (making discussion useless), or B> she is doing her best.
Dabbie and Laura decided to have dinner together before practice. Unfortunately, Laura was allergic to something she ate. They both spent the entire evening at the emergency room. I am confused about part of that. Why didn't Debbie call Laura's family to join her there, and then come to practice? It seems strange to me, but maybe I am a terrible friend. Not that I would leave someone if my other obligations weren't having a Level Orange emergency, it's just that this performance is a particularly tense situation.
***
I stopped typing there to fight with my children and get them ready to go to my mom's. Not so bad, on the whole. They actually let my mom come inside for nearly 10 minutes this time. Last time, they didn't give her time to set her keys down. Now they are happily installed in her car and on the way to Rolla. ...and Mommy is a free woman!
I'm going to go watch something bloody while I'm still riding the high. If I don't, I'll probably get lonely and cry. Uh-oh. Starting to feel sad.
What should I watch? 13th Warrior? I love that one... Or Indiana Jones? Chicago? Ooo. We might have a winner.
I don't feel all cranky about last night anymore. I know I have a tendency to dwell. But I'm not gonna this time. It will all smooth out eventually.
Now, about that movie....
Monday, June 15, 2009
Did the rain stop?
For Netflix, for those of you who are unfamiliar, the user is encouraged to rate movies that he or she liked and disliked, and based on his/her preference, Netflix recommends other movies that the user might enjoy. I really wish there was a site like that for books. I need to read something. So, in case there really is a site like this out there, and any of you have knowledge of it.. Well, I hope you will pass the information on to me.
While I was off performing on Sunday, Josh bought furniture. He sort of called to clear it with me, but I am pretty sure nothing I could have said could sway him. He was determined. I fussed and complained and mentioned that the sacrifices needed to squeeze this unexpected purchase into our budget get to be HIS and not mine, but really, I think we both knew he was getting away with murder. Why do I ever let him shop without me? In truth, it was an excellent deal - usually over $200.00 and on sale for 50 -but I never buy sale items unless they are already on my shopping list. Josh has a sign on his forehead that says, "EASY SALE". He's a retailer's dream come true.
Speaking of signs on people's foreheads, it seems mine says more than I thought. Josh used to complain that mine said, "CRAZY PEOPLE, PLEASE TALK TO ME". But lately I've been wondering if the fine print says, "YOU ARE ONE GUILT TRIP AWAY FROM YOUR GOAL".
I was guilted into changing my plans for Saturday with, "Rosemary, you are the last person I can ask. Are you sure there's no way you can perform on Saturday? No one else is left except you." That's right. Obi-wan, you are our only hope. Now I'm asking my husband to give up his weekend, essentially. Guilt on all sides. It's a good thing I'm not prone to ulcers.
Wednesday, my mom is taking the kids overnight. On one hand, I really don't like being away from my children. On the other hand, I am completely excited about sitting around all day watching rated R movies. Anyone want to join me? I'm dead serious about not doing anything, though. I'll point you toward the kitchen and/or bathroom. Thursday day, too. Whichever is convenient for you.
I'm still having trouble deciding what I should do when I am finally able to re-join the work force. Something with editing? On the other hand (lots of hands today, did you notice?), maybe it's better that I don't have much of a plan, because chances are good that my reality will fall sadly short of any dream. I haven't worked in years, I was an underpaid receptionist in Yuma, I have a degree in ENGLISH (sucks to be me)...is there anything in that mess that says, "Hire me"? Maybe I could be a greeter at Wal-Mart.
About half of my acquaintance are itching to have outdoor parties. I've been asked to have another barbecue by at least 4 different people, and picnics were suggested by several, and I have been central in 80% of the discussions. The problem, as usual, would be getting everyone at the same time. And I have a cousin who lives in Mississippi who wants me to have one of the barbecues in the fall when she is in MO again. So maybe that can be an extra one, since no one else is giving off the patient vibes.
So, all, what, 3 of you who read this...here is your chance to make your opinion known: What are your favorite summer time foods? This includes desserts! I have several. Watermelon is always good, and pudding pies with whipped cream, and I have a chicken and rice casserole that is summery, and those teriaki chicken legs, and Bullfrog. You know, I had people ask me if I was grilling frogs. Lots of them. So, just to clarify, I am referring to the vodka drink, here, and not anything amphibious.
My children are threatening me with naps. (Never good this late in the day.) Since I would like to go to bed before 11, I'm off to rouse them with dancing or something. Wish me luck.
And-
Happy Monday.
While I was off performing on Sunday, Josh bought furniture. He sort of called to clear it with me, but I am pretty sure nothing I could have said could sway him. He was determined. I fussed and complained and mentioned that the sacrifices needed to squeeze this unexpected purchase into our budget get to be HIS and not mine, but really, I think we both knew he was getting away with murder. Why do I ever let him shop without me? In truth, it was an excellent deal - usually over $200.00 and on sale for 50 -but I never buy sale items unless they are already on my shopping list. Josh has a sign on his forehead that says, "EASY SALE". He's a retailer's dream come true.
Speaking of signs on people's foreheads, it seems mine says more than I thought. Josh used to complain that mine said, "CRAZY PEOPLE, PLEASE TALK TO ME". But lately I've been wondering if the fine print says, "YOU ARE ONE GUILT TRIP AWAY FROM YOUR GOAL".
I was guilted into changing my plans for Saturday with, "Rosemary, you are the last person I can ask. Are you sure there's no way you can perform on Saturday? No one else is left except you." That's right. Obi-wan, you are our only hope. Now I'm asking my husband to give up his weekend, essentially. Guilt on all sides. It's a good thing I'm not prone to ulcers.
Wednesday, my mom is taking the kids overnight. On one hand, I really don't like being away from my children. On the other hand, I am completely excited about sitting around all day watching rated R movies. Anyone want to join me? I'm dead serious about not doing anything, though. I'll point you toward the kitchen and/or bathroom. Thursday day, too. Whichever is convenient for you.
I'm still having trouble deciding what I should do when I am finally able to re-join the work force. Something with editing? On the other hand (lots of hands today, did you notice?), maybe it's better that I don't have much of a plan, because chances are good that my reality will fall sadly short of any dream. I haven't worked in years, I was an underpaid receptionist in Yuma, I have a degree in ENGLISH (sucks to be me)...is there anything in that mess that says, "Hire me"? Maybe I could be a greeter at Wal-Mart.
About half of my acquaintance are itching to have outdoor parties. I've been asked to have another barbecue by at least 4 different people, and picnics were suggested by several, and I have been central in 80% of the discussions. The problem, as usual, would be getting everyone at the same time. And I have a cousin who lives in Mississippi who wants me to have one of the barbecues in the fall when she is in MO again. So maybe that can be an extra one, since no one else is giving off the patient vibes.
So, all, what, 3 of you who read this...here is your chance to make your opinion known: What are your favorite summer time foods? This includes desserts! I have several. Watermelon is always good, and pudding pies with whipped cream, and I have a chicken and rice casserole that is summery, and those teriaki chicken legs, and Bullfrog. You know, I had people ask me if I was grilling frogs. Lots of them. So, just to clarify, I am referring to the vodka drink, here, and not anything amphibious.
My children are threatening me with naps. (Never good this late in the day.) Since I would like to go to bed before 11, I'm off to rouse them with dancing or something. Wish me luck.
And-
Happy Monday.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Money and Altruism
Bullwinkle time.
I am thawing out some kielbasa. I don't know if I should chop it up and add it to ramen or scrambled eggs. And I kinda want to make a pudding pie. It is Friday, you know. For lunch, I had leftover spaghetti, and I smothered it in all the different cheeses I had. It was better than I expected.
Last night I went out, and I sang the same old song I used to sing. Helena came, too, and it was fun. That was the good part. The bad part was all the fighting that Josh and I did before I left for practice, and on the way home. I hope we get it all out soon. This is pretty much no fun.
I can't decide it I feel like making tea.
My daughter's hair is long. Josh thinks I should have it cut. What do you think? Do you think girl children should keep their hair until they're old enough to pick a new hair style?
I might have to give up on my plans to win the lottery. So far it's not working out as I'd planned. But it is hard to accept that I'll never have anything I want. I was okay with being a poor college student. I was fine with being a poor newlywed. But now I'm in my 30's, and not only am I still broke, it's getting worse and worse. I have no health insurance, and I just surrendered my entire emergency fund to Josh because he couldn't afford to pay the sales tax on the new car. And my personal money I used taking my family to the Renaissance Faire. We had to cancel going on our family vacation this month. I only feel guilty that I already got a trip to Colorado and Josh didn't. I think Josh even had to sell our old stock. How long can we possibly do this? Well, in two years I'll find a job, and some things will change. But that doesn't mean that we'll have more money. Gas for the commute, work clothes, lunches....
Grant is sitting by me. He's being nice today. Abbie is being reasonably nice today, too. Well, she's still got the hitting problem.
You know, when I was in college, I decided one day that I was going to go up to strangers and say the nice things I was thinking. "That's a beautiful shirt you're wearing," "You know, you have very graceful hands," "I saw you hold the door for that girl, and even though she didn't thank you or anything, I thought it was nice of you." You know...stuff like that. In fact, I decided this many times, but never so much as admired someone's hat...out loud. Too many ways it could turn on me. If I said something nice to a guy, would he think I was flirting with him? Or worse, would a woman think that? But really all I wanted to do is balance out all the negative things that get said. And anytime the sun was shining and the wind blowing, I was convinced that it was my day to begin, but my natural timidity held me back. But why DO we only say mean things an never nice ones? I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that no one knows how to take a compliment these days (me included).
Well, since I won't be winning the lottery, I guess I won't be teaching anyone how in my little manners school.
My mother plans to take the kids overnight sometime next week. That always makes me uncomfortable. Not that I think she's going to do something I don't approve of. She asks about pretty much everything, unlike their other grandparents. I just don't like being so far away from them. It's not like if they had bad dreams at night and wanted to come home at 11:30 I could just run over and get them. And if they're bad and I'm not around to handle it....what will happen? Anyway, usually we go out when the kids are gone, but it will be the middle of the week (not to mention that I'm fresh out of cash...I had to buy my own drinks last night). I think we'll just sit around and watch rated R movies. If any of you would like to join me, you are, of course, invited. I think it will be Wednesday and Thursday.
Well...I hope you are having a good day! Happy Friday! The weather is wonderful. Oh, and you should go say something nice to someone today, for my sake.
I am thawing out some kielbasa. I don't know if I should chop it up and add it to ramen or scrambled eggs. And I kinda want to make a pudding pie. It is Friday, you know. For lunch, I had leftover spaghetti, and I smothered it in all the different cheeses I had. It was better than I expected.
Last night I went out, and I sang the same old song I used to sing. Helena came, too, and it was fun. That was the good part. The bad part was all the fighting that Josh and I did before I left for practice, and on the way home. I hope we get it all out soon. This is pretty much no fun.
I can't decide it I feel like making tea.
My daughter's hair is long. Josh thinks I should have it cut. What do you think? Do you think girl children should keep their hair until they're old enough to pick a new hair style?
I might have to give up on my plans to win the lottery. So far it's not working out as I'd planned. But it is hard to accept that I'll never have anything I want. I was okay with being a poor college student. I was fine with being a poor newlywed. But now I'm in my 30's, and not only am I still broke, it's getting worse and worse. I have no health insurance, and I just surrendered my entire emergency fund to Josh because he couldn't afford to pay the sales tax on the new car. And my personal money I used taking my family to the Renaissance Faire. We had to cancel going on our family vacation this month. I only feel guilty that I already got a trip to Colorado and Josh didn't. I think Josh even had to sell our old stock. How long can we possibly do this? Well, in two years I'll find a job, and some things will change. But that doesn't mean that we'll have more money. Gas for the commute, work clothes, lunches....
Grant is sitting by me. He's being nice today. Abbie is being reasonably nice today, too. Well, she's still got the hitting problem.
You know, when I was in college, I decided one day that I was going to go up to strangers and say the nice things I was thinking. "That's a beautiful shirt you're wearing," "You know, you have very graceful hands," "I saw you hold the door for that girl, and even though she didn't thank you or anything, I thought it was nice of you." You know...stuff like that. In fact, I decided this many times, but never so much as admired someone's hat...out loud. Too many ways it could turn on me. If I said something nice to a guy, would he think I was flirting with him? Or worse, would a woman think that? But really all I wanted to do is balance out all the negative things that get said. And anytime the sun was shining and the wind blowing, I was convinced that it was my day to begin, but my natural timidity held me back. But why DO we only say mean things an never nice ones? I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that no one knows how to take a compliment these days (me included).
Well, since I won't be winning the lottery, I guess I won't be teaching anyone how in my little manners school.
My mother plans to take the kids overnight sometime next week. That always makes me uncomfortable. Not that I think she's going to do something I don't approve of. She asks about pretty much everything, unlike their other grandparents. I just don't like being so far away from them. It's not like if they had bad dreams at night and wanted to come home at 11:30 I could just run over and get them. And if they're bad and I'm not around to handle it....what will happen? Anyway, usually we go out when the kids are gone, but it will be the middle of the week (not to mention that I'm fresh out of cash...I had to buy my own drinks last night). I think we'll just sit around and watch rated R movies. If any of you would like to join me, you are, of course, invited. I think it will be Wednesday and Thursday.
Well...I hope you are having a good day! Happy Friday! The weather is wonderful. Oh, and you should go say something nice to someone today, for my sake.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
No Drownings This Weekend
Is it Wednesday? I think it's Wednesday. There's something in my left eye. Very uncomfortable.
Last night was practice. I'm on most of the set, and it's very taxing. I am beginning to think that on some songs I'm a little disappointing. But, I continue to work. Last night, I tried to concentrate on making my left arm movements bigger, but after the first few songs, I was drowning in constructive criticism, and started to forget. Oops. I don't know what it was about yesterday...maybe the way the weather changed in the mid-morning...but I was tired. Tired and something else, but I don't know what. ??? Serious? No, I wasn't too serious. Maybe dull is better.
I made spaghetti for dinner last night. I've only made it 2 or 3 times since I've been married. Josh is not a huge fan. But he seemed eager enough about it last night. So, I am left to wonder if he was finally happy to see it after all these years, or if my cooking of late has left something to be desired.
I went to Melanie's graduation party after Sunday's practice. I drank and laughed (Really, though, when do I not? I swear...I'll laugh at anything...) and talked to strangers and stayed out late. I don't know whether I felt like a grown-up or a naughty child. Melanie's mom is adorable. I am extremely fond of her. And the cat likes me. That was a strange moment. I was asking how to get back to the main roads, and I reached over to pet the cat. Both of Melanie's parents stared. It seems that the cat's usual reaction is to bolt. But that's fine. For a moment I was afraid I had chocolate icing on my elbow or something.
I got thrown in the pool. Not my favorite, but I lived to tell the tale. I'm more than a little ashamed, actually. The guys marched me to the pool with obvious intent, but was I preparing myself to be dunked? No. Didn't even take a deep breath. Why do I think I'll be able to talk myself out of these situations? At least I was properly clothed. They warned me when I first got there that if I didn't get in the pool they would throw me in. So I borrowed a bathing suit from Melanie (won't go into the shame and humiliation that brought on) and swam for a bit. But were they pacified? No. Why didn't they throw Maki in? She would have enjoyed it. Well, too late to sulk. Well, I sulked then, too, as a matter of fact. I had just brought Eddie a beer, and I demanded it back.
"Are you seriously mad?" He looked a little incredulous.
"No. But you made me get water in my nose." Boo-hoo. It hurt, too. They had a great time telling everyone that they made me cry. Maybe I should have. Think it would have helped?
Melanie got, as a graduation present, a wine glass that holds an entire bottle of wine. She had a few glasses. I was a little afraid she would drown in the pool, there at the end. Her boyfriend was cold and got out of the pool with her still in it, floating uncertainly and hiccuping. What kind of guy would choose his own comfort over the SAFETY of his girl? The kind who would get her a huge wine glass for graduation, I guess. I was inclined to think well of him until the pool incident, though. Now I shall have to wait and see.
Peach wine is yummy. Like dessert.
I'm actually going out tomorrow night as well. Josh is letting me sing karaoke for the first time since we've moved back to MO. Now I'm all nervous. Plus, we're going with Gabe from Josh's work. He's a nice guy. A former Marine, like Josh, only he's more the type. But the stories about Gabe for the last few months have not been the kind that make me wanna go drinking with him. For a while, there was a rumor that he and his wife were splitting up. I'm hoping that I can strong arm some of my buddies into meeting us there. Then maybe I can get away with just small talk and not get into the sad story. I offer my shoulder willingly enough when it's my own friend who needs it, but virtual strangers..... Well, you get the idea, I'm sure.
Any suggestions on what I should sing?
I'm going to be trading cars, too. It's convoluted, but it all works out. Thursday, I will arrive in the truck (maybe with Josh, but I don't know that part yet). After practice, Helena will take it, and I will drive Melanie's car, since she won't be in town. (Don't worry, both Helena and Melanie were involved in concocting this plan.) Then, on Sunday, Helena will drive my truck to UMSL to load it up, and someone will pick up me and Eddie on the way to Columbia, since we...are on the way to Columbia. Ta-da!
Oh, and I forgot to mention that my mommy and Gran came to see me on Monday. It was fun. I showed Gran pictures of Brother's house, and we had lunch, and played on the deck with bubbles. I sliced up some peaches for them. Gran brought me a present. When I was a toddler myself, we would have picnics, and Gran particularly liked to bring boiled eggs. She likes hers soft-boiled, if I remember correctly. Monday she brought to me the salt and pepper shakers that we used to keep in the picnic basket for just such a snack. They're shaped like owls escaping eggs. A touch juvenile, but fitting, I suppose. I'm very touched that she brought them. I will put them in our picnic basket.
Grant woke up unpleasant today. He's been using his energy to make Abbie (and occasionally me) unhappy, instead of happy. It's upsetting. Especially on the days when she is so obviously happy to see him and ready to play. She's been happy and nice lately, so if it weren't for Grant, I would be enormously relieved. But it's a toddler thing. They tag team you.
I cut my toe in the runner of the rocking chair. I wonder if it needs something on it.
Tonight we will have frozen pizza. Why am I looking forward to that so much? I also plan to do some laundry, in a minute. And read. I'm reading. Just Twilight again. Geez, that lady can't write. She has one character tell a story, and then later another character will be telling a story, but they're both in the same voice. And here are some words I'm tired of hearing: smolder, grimace, pain... But I am fond of two or three of the characters, so here I go again! I do kinda wish I had something new to read. Borders sent me a coupon over email, and I almost didn't delete it. But then again...what would I buy, anyway? My last purchase (Woo-hoo! Go dollar bin!) was disastrous. Maybe I should run to the library and check out Stephanie Plum again. Naw...I'd probably gain 5 pounds reading about her dessert cravings.
Ah, the sound of children...fighting. Duty calls.
Have a happy today.
Last night was practice. I'm on most of the set, and it's very taxing. I am beginning to think that on some songs I'm a little disappointing. But, I continue to work. Last night, I tried to concentrate on making my left arm movements bigger, but after the first few songs, I was drowning in constructive criticism, and started to forget. Oops. I don't know what it was about yesterday...maybe the way the weather changed in the mid-morning...but I was tired. Tired and something else, but I don't know what. ??? Serious? No, I wasn't too serious. Maybe dull is better.
I made spaghetti for dinner last night. I've only made it 2 or 3 times since I've been married. Josh is not a huge fan. But he seemed eager enough about it last night. So, I am left to wonder if he was finally happy to see it after all these years, or if my cooking of late has left something to be desired.
I went to Melanie's graduation party after Sunday's practice. I drank and laughed (Really, though, when do I not? I swear...I'll laugh at anything...) and talked to strangers and stayed out late. I don't know whether I felt like a grown-up or a naughty child. Melanie's mom is adorable. I am extremely fond of her. And the cat likes me. That was a strange moment. I was asking how to get back to the main roads, and I reached over to pet the cat. Both of Melanie's parents stared. It seems that the cat's usual reaction is to bolt. But that's fine. For a moment I was afraid I had chocolate icing on my elbow or something.
I got thrown in the pool. Not my favorite, but I lived to tell the tale. I'm more than a little ashamed, actually. The guys marched me to the pool with obvious intent, but was I preparing myself to be dunked? No. Didn't even take a deep breath. Why do I think I'll be able to talk myself out of these situations? At least I was properly clothed. They warned me when I first got there that if I didn't get in the pool they would throw me in. So I borrowed a bathing suit from Melanie (won't go into the shame and humiliation that brought on) and swam for a bit. But were they pacified? No. Why didn't they throw Maki in? She would have enjoyed it. Well, too late to sulk. Well, I sulked then, too, as a matter of fact. I had just brought Eddie a beer, and I demanded it back.
"Are you seriously mad?" He looked a little incredulous.
"No. But you made me get water in my nose." Boo-hoo. It hurt, too. They had a great time telling everyone that they made me cry. Maybe I should have. Think it would have helped?
Melanie got, as a graduation present, a wine glass that holds an entire bottle of wine. She had a few glasses. I was a little afraid she would drown in the pool, there at the end. Her boyfriend was cold and got out of the pool with her still in it, floating uncertainly and hiccuping. What kind of guy would choose his own comfort over the SAFETY of his girl? The kind who would get her a huge wine glass for graduation, I guess. I was inclined to think well of him until the pool incident, though. Now I shall have to wait and see.
Peach wine is yummy. Like dessert.
I'm actually going out tomorrow night as well. Josh is letting me sing karaoke for the first time since we've moved back to MO. Now I'm all nervous. Plus, we're going with Gabe from Josh's work. He's a nice guy. A former Marine, like Josh, only he's more the type. But the stories about Gabe for the last few months have not been the kind that make me wanna go drinking with him. For a while, there was a rumor that he and his wife were splitting up. I'm hoping that I can strong arm some of my buddies into meeting us there. Then maybe I can get away with just small talk and not get into the sad story. I offer my shoulder willingly enough when it's my own friend who needs it, but virtual strangers..... Well, you get the idea, I'm sure.
Any suggestions on what I should sing?
I'm going to be trading cars, too. It's convoluted, but it all works out. Thursday, I will arrive in the truck (maybe with Josh, but I don't know that part yet). After practice, Helena will take it, and I will drive Melanie's car, since she won't be in town. (Don't worry, both Helena and Melanie were involved in concocting this plan.) Then, on Sunday, Helena will drive my truck to UMSL to load it up, and someone will pick up me and Eddie on the way to Columbia, since we...are on the way to Columbia. Ta-da!
Oh, and I forgot to mention that my mommy and Gran came to see me on Monday. It was fun. I showed Gran pictures of Brother's house, and we had lunch, and played on the deck with bubbles. I sliced up some peaches for them. Gran brought me a present. When I was a toddler myself, we would have picnics, and Gran particularly liked to bring boiled eggs. She likes hers soft-boiled, if I remember correctly. Monday she brought to me the salt and pepper shakers that we used to keep in the picnic basket for just such a snack. They're shaped like owls escaping eggs. A touch juvenile, but fitting, I suppose. I'm very touched that she brought them. I will put them in our picnic basket.
Grant woke up unpleasant today. He's been using his energy to make Abbie (and occasionally me) unhappy, instead of happy. It's upsetting. Especially on the days when she is so obviously happy to see him and ready to play. She's been happy and nice lately, so if it weren't for Grant, I would be enormously relieved. But it's a toddler thing. They tag team you.
I cut my toe in the runner of the rocking chair. I wonder if it needs something on it.
Tonight we will have frozen pizza. Why am I looking forward to that so much? I also plan to do some laundry, in a minute. And read. I'm reading. Just Twilight again. Geez, that lady can't write. She has one character tell a story, and then later another character will be telling a story, but they're both in the same voice. And here are some words I'm tired of hearing: smolder, grimace, pain... But I am fond of two or three of the characters, so here I go again! I do kinda wish I had something new to read. Borders sent me a coupon over email, and I almost didn't delete it. But then again...what would I buy, anyway? My last purchase (Woo-hoo! Go dollar bin!) was disastrous. Maybe I should run to the library and check out Stephanie Plum again. Naw...I'd probably gain 5 pounds reading about her dessert cravings.
Ah, the sound of children...fighting. Duty calls.
Have a happy today.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Ahhh! of Yay for Sleep!
This week has been exhausting. Tuesday, Abbie locked me out while I was trimming the long grass by the house and around my trees with scissors. My right hand swelled from the grass allergies. My mother asked me later that day why I didn't put my gardening gloves on. Very good question. Very. I had to let myself in through the garage, and made sure that I was impressive enough so that Abbie wouldn't think that what she did was okay. The kids aren't allowed to touch the front door. Even so, they've been known to let people in the house. Not safe.
I don't remember much battling going on on Tuesday, except Abbie refused all food, and did get put in her room later that afternoon for hitting. Lately, since she fights me so much, I've started closing the door to her room when she is sent there. She locked me out. But....I had a "key". So, Mommy was not exactly thwarted on Tuesday, but it was a tiring experience. Then...taiko.
We played Omiyage again, and though I can't say I caught on, at least I improved. It's still not natural for me. I worked hard, and then we played other stuff and I worked hard some more.
It took me even longer than usual to fall asleep, and I got kicked out of my bed again that night by Grant. Abbie, though, wasn't sleeping very well, either. I had to put her back to bed before I sulked to Grant's room.
Abbie came in around 4:45-ish to throw up on me. *sigh*
I stripped Grant's bed, cleaned the floor, got her some new clothes, and tried to convince her to throw up in the bathroom, but for some reason she seemed scared of it, so I sacrificed a few towels over the course of the next few hours. I made her a little towel-lined bed on the couch, and toasted some bread. She ate one bite. Grant was reasonable about not bugging her too much. Eventually, she fell asleep. She woke up in the early afternoon. She was quite revived. She was cheerful, and ate her toast and asked for more. She played with Grant. Everything was great. Except me. I was pretty much done in. It was a hugely long day, especially since Josh had class. I was tired and headachey all day.
Yesterday I was tired, too. I looked terrible. I kept waiting to be sick. I even felt sick a few times. But I never got there, exactly. I paid bills, and read. Mostly, though, I fought with the kids. They were both particularly mean yesterday. No idea why. There was lots of pushing. Lots of yelling on the part of Abbie. Lots of grabbing of toys. And they each spent a fair amount of time in their rooms. It's very draining, and it makes me upset. I hate closing those doors. Hate it. But they are getting too old for spankings. Spankings are for last option emergencies or children who aren't old enough to talk yet.
I went to practice exhausted again, and ready to feel defeated. Although I was largely useless on the "dot" drill, we didn't do Omiyage at all, so that helped! We learned how to play Isami with three chuus and Matsuri. We played them lots, and it was tiring, but I didn't feel like I needed to crawl under a rock or anything. We also started working on Jugo Ya. I will be playing clave on that one next time it's performed, but I also started learning the arms for the chuu part a little. And I started to learn the kane part for Tenchi.
Next Thursday, Josh has accepted an invitation to go out after practice with Gabe from work. I'm going too, and I was hoping to get some other of my buddies to meet us there. Except....I don't know where "there" is.
I came home and Josh was doing some homework, but I sent him to bed. His eyes were so red he looked like he had pink eye in both eyes. And I went to bed, too. I got kicked out by Grant again, but otherwise....
I
Slept.
I feel wonderful. Yay for sleep. I might even do laundry!
Plus, it's Friday.
And the weather is beautiful.
Maybe I should go put on some crazy Turkish music. But...I'm not sure I feel like Turkish today. Maybe it's a Cambridge Singers kind of day.
Grant is wearing a crown. King Grant.
Oh! Before I forget.... I wanted to write some things that my children say all the time. Then I can read this and smile when they no longer do.
Abbie:
"Please may I have my Big Hug?" (That means she wants to be held.)
"Mommy read Trixie? I wanna read Trixie." (Trixie is the girl in the Knuffle Bunny book.)
"Mommy! Oh, Mommy, whe-ya-yooou?"
"Mommy? Daddy's home. Mommy? Daddy's home. Mommy? Daddy's home..." (She does this looking back and forth between us. Don't know how she keeps from being dizzy.)
"I'll get you Abbie!" (Trying to coax Josh to chase her.)
"Wanna take care of em baby?" (Usually there is a toy or sibling or herself to be the baby.)
"No, Mommy, you're not upset, you're happy." (How silly of me to forget...)
"Fanks!" or "Oh, Fank you."
Grant:
"Mommy, you're a nice girl, and I love you." (His response to being told to be nice. ^_^)
"Mommy, would you like to make me breakfast?"
"Mommy? Please may I have something?" (Something means food.)
"Daddy, would you like ta play the zombie running game?"
"Daddy, would you like ta go downstairs?" (Meaning that HE would.)
"Oh, hi, Abbie!"
"Well, my friends are talking to me." (Grant's pretend army of friends. Usually they live in space.)
"Mommy, I needa go potty. Please pause the movie." (He said this so much that now if he says he needs to go, Abbie says, "Please pause the movie!" even if we're not watching one.)
Hmm. Wonder what I should make for dinner tonight.
Well, no time to be typing. I have stuff to do! Yay for everything!
I don't remember much battling going on on Tuesday, except Abbie refused all food, and did get put in her room later that afternoon for hitting. Lately, since she fights me so much, I've started closing the door to her room when she is sent there. She locked me out. But....I had a "key". So, Mommy was not exactly thwarted on Tuesday, but it was a tiring experience. Then...taiko.
We played Omiyage again, and though I can't say I caught on, at least I improved. It's still not natural for me. I worked hard, and then we played other stuff and I worked hard some more.
It took me even longer than usual to fall asleep, and I got kicked out of my bed again that night by Grant. Abbie, though, wasn't sleeping very well, either. I had to put her back to bed before I sulked to Grant's room.
Abbie came in around 4:45-ish to throw up on me. *sigh*
I stripped Grant's bed, cleaned the floor, got her some new clothes, and tried to convince her to throw up in the bathroom, but for some reason she seemed scared of it, so I sacrificed a few towels over the course of the next few hours. I made her a little towel-lined bed on the couch, and toasted some bread. She ate one bite. Grant was reasonable about not bugging her too much. Eventually, she fell asleep. She woke up in the early afternoon. She was quite revived. She was cheerful, and ate her toast and asked for more. She played with Grant. Everything was great. Except me. I was pretty much done in. It was a hugely long day, especially since Josh had class. I was tired and headachey all day.
Yesterday I was tired, too. I looked terrible. I kept waiting to be sick. I even felt sick a few times. But I never got there, exactly. I paid bills, and read. Mostly, though, I fought with the kids. They were both particularly mean yesterday. No idea why. There was lots of pushing. Lots of yelling on the part of Abbie. Lots of grabbing of toys. And they each spent a fair amount of time in their rooms. It's very draining, and it makes me upset. I hate closing those doors. Hate it. But they are getting too old for spankings. Spankings are for last option emergencies or children who aren't old enough to talk yet.
I went to practice exhausted again, and ready to feel defeated. Although I was largely useless on the "dot" drill, we didn't do Omiyage at all, so that helped! We learned how to play Isami with three chuus and Matsuri. We played them lots, and it was tiring, but I didn't feel like I needed to crawl under a rock or anything. We also started working on Jugo Ya. I will be playing clave on that one next time it's performed, but I also started learning the arms for the chuu part a little. And I started to learn the kane part for Tenchi.
Next Thursday, Josh has accepted an invitation to go out after practice with Gabe from work. I'm going too, and I was hoping to get some other of my buddies to meet us there. Except....I don't know where "there" is.
I came home and Josh was doing some homework, but I sent him to bed. His eyes were so red he looked like he had pink eye in both eyes. And I went to bed, too. I got kicked out by Grant again, but otherwise....
I
Slept.
I feel wonderful. Yay for sleep. I might even do laundry!
Plus, it's Friday.
And the weather is beautiful.
Maybe I should go put on some crazy Turkish music. But...I'm not sure I feel like Turkish today. Maybe it's a Cambridge Singers kind of day.
Grant is wearing a crown. King Grant.
Oh! Before I forget.... I wanted to write some things that my children say all the time. Then I can read this and smile when they no longer do.
Abbie:
"Please may I have my Big Hug?" (That means she wants to be held.)
"Mommy read Trixie? I wanna read Trixie." (Trixie is the girl in the Knuffle Bunny book.)
"Mommy! Oh, Mommy, whe-ya-yooou?"
"Mommy? Daddy's home. Mommy? Daddy's home. Mommy? Daddy's home..." (She does this looking back and forth between us. Don't know how she keeps from being dizzy.)
"I'll get you Abbie!" (Trying to coax Josh to chase her.)
"Wanna take care of em baby?" (Usually there is a toy or sibling or herself to be the baby.)
"No, Mommy, you're not upset, you're happy." (How silly of me to forget...)
"Fanks!" or "Oh, Fank you."
Grant:
"Mommy, you're a nice girl, and I love you." (His response to being told to be nice. ^_^)
"Mommy, would you like to make me breakfast?"
"Mommy? Please may I have something?" (Something means food.)
"Daddy, would you like ta play the zombie running game?"
"Daddy, would you like ta go downstairs?" (Meaning that HE would.)
"Oh, hi, Abbie!"
"Well, my friends are talking to me." (Grant's pretend army of friends. Usually they live in space.)
"Mommy, I needa go potty. Please pause the movie." (He said this so much that now if he says he needs to go, Abbie says, "Please pause the movie!" even if we're not watching one.)
Hmm. Wonder what I should make for dinner tonight.
Well, no time to be typing. I have stuff to do! Yay for everything!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Not An Athlete
I'm sore.
I did get Josh to go to the Renaissance Faire. We don't have any money, but I got out my personal savings. I don't have an income, but I horde like crazy. It was probably 2 years' worth of Christmas money or something. I came home, tired and sore from practicing Omiyage and Hachijou, but I was cheerful and ready to go have fun. Josh was neither. He has been a little....not himself lately. We'll have to see if there is something we can do about that. Anyway, he pretty much pitched a fit until I told him I didn't want him to come. Then, of course, he was done, and packed up the car like nothing had happened. Well, except for the parts where he asked me what was wrong, and told me that if I didn't have a good time, it would be my own fault. Really! What planet is he FROM?! Rrr! It was hot, and we parked very, very far from the gates, but things went mostly smoothly. They were out of giant turkey legs, so I bought us some soup in bread bowls, and we ate while we watched the jousting. I think it was after 6 when we left to trudge up the hill to our car.
That was rough, but I think I'm actually sore from practice. First, we did some timing drills. Then...Omiyage. Apparently, this song was taught some time when I wasn't there. I've never played it. We were learning the end, though. Everyone else seemed fine, but I was struggling a LOT with getting both arms to do what they were supposed to do. My brain fights with me when I tell it to think of multiple limbs at once. If I ever get it, I will do it consistently until I drop dead, but I don't have it yet. In fact, you could tell by looking at me which arm I was trying to work on....because the other one stopped moving. It was slightly humiliating, and it didn't help that a certain member kept pointing it out every time. By the time Andrew tried to remind me that I was supposed to be having fun, I was about ready to cry. I'm not an athlete. I was never an athlete. I wonder what it's like to be talented. To just decide to do something and have it come pouring out of you, just like you wanted. Because, even trying my hardest, I can't even limp along fast enough to keep up.
I tried to practice it at home, but it was even worse.
Anyway, my ankles are sore from Hachijou. That's kinda funny. I was expecting my thighs to be, because they felt so tired at practice, and I never once thought about my ankles. Or maybe they're sore from pushing the stroller uphill through chunky gravel and 8 inch grass. But I really think it was from taiko.
Anyway, after we came home, I called my brother. No news there.
I had thought of a new story that I wanted very much to start as soon as I got in, but by the time I did, the only thing I could remember about the story was that I was super excited about it. Maybe my brain has a hole in it.
I think I am going to read one of my books. I don't know which one, yet.
My children are fighting.
I'm hoping to get Abbie to take a bath today. I had planned to do it last night, but we were all tired, and Josh changed her into her pyjamas before I could tell him about it. She has a sore on her leg. That's why I asked Josh to bring the stroller, but he somehow managed to poke a hole in the bag of diapers, water, etc., with the stroller clip, so that stuff rode in the stroller all day, and poor Abbie had to walk.
I think I need some tea. I didn't really feel like I was desponding, but reading this makes me think that maybe I am. Maybe since it's Monday, it will be overlooked.
I did get Josh to go to the Renaissance Faire. We don't have any money, but I got out my personal savings. I don't have an income, but I horde like crazy. It was probably 2 years' worth of Christmas money or something. I came home, tired and sore from practicing Omiyage and Hachijou, but I was cheerful and ready to go have fun. Josh was neither. He has been a little....not himself lately. We'll have to see if there is something we can do about that. Anyway, he pretty much pitched a fit until I told him I didn't want him to come. Then, of course, he was done, and packed up the car like nothing had happened. Well, except for the parts where he asked me what was wrong, and told me that if I didn't have a good time, it would be my own fault. Really! What planet is he FROM?! Rrr! It was hot, and we parked very, very far from the gates, but things went mostly smoothly. They were out of giant turkey legs, so I bought us some soup in bread bowls, and we ate while we watched the jousting. I think it was after 6 when we left to trudge up the hill to our car.
That was rough, but I think I'm actually sore from practice. First, we did some timing drills. Then...Omiyage. Apparently, this song was taught some time when I wasn't there. I've never played it. We were learning the end, though. Everyone else seemed fine, but I was struggling a LOT with getting both arms to do what they were supposed to do. My brain fights with me when I tell it to think of multiple limbs at once. If I ever get it, I will do it consistently until I drop dead, but I don't have it yet. In fact, you could tell by looking at me which arm I was trying to work on....because the other one stopped moving. It was slightly humiliating, and it didn't help that a certain member kept pointing it out every time. By the time Andrew tried to remind me that I was supposed to be having fun, I was about ready to cry. I'm not an athlete. I was never an athlete. I wonder what it's like to be talented. To just decide to do something and have it come pouring out of you, just like you wanted. Because, even trying my hardest, I can't even limp along fast enough to keep up.
I tried to practice it at home, but it was even worse.
Anyway, my ankles are sore from Hachijou. That's kinda funny. I was expecting my thighs to be, because they felt so tired at practice, and I never once thought about my ankles. Or maybe they're sore from pushing the stroller uphill through chunky gravel and 8 inch grass. But I really think it was from taiko.
Anyway, after we came home, I called my brother. No news there.
I had thought of a new story that I wanted very much to start as soon as I got in, but by the time I did, the only thing I could remember about the story was that I was super excited about it. Maybe my brain has a hole in it.
I think I am going to read one of my books. I don't know which one, yet.
My children are fighting.
I'm hoping to get Abbie to take a bath today. I had planned to do it last night, but we were all tired, and Josh changed her into her pyjamas before I could tell him about it. She has a sore on her leg. That's why I asked Josh to bring the stroller, but he somehow managed to poke a hole in the bag of diapers, water, etc., with the stroller clip, so that stuff rode in the stroller all day, and poor Abbie had to walk.
I think I need some tea. I didn't really feel like I was desponding, but reading this makes me think that maybe I am. Maybe since it's Monday, it will be overlooked.
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